BELLVILLE: Bruce Kilgore couldn’t be any prouder to say he’s from a small town. Woven into the fabric of his village, Bruce’s Bellville roots ran deep and were strong. A man who embraced his family and his community with love, energy, and spirit, Bruce Alan Kilgore passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, August 22, 2017 in OSU Hospital. He was 56.

The son of Max and Ann (Hartzler) Kilgore, Bruce was born January 22, 1961 in Mansfield. He graduated from Clear Fork High School in 1979 and in 1981 earned his associated degree as an LPN from North Central State College. Bruce worked as an LPN for 30 years in the local prison system where he finished his career in the Richland Correctional Institute.

He served as president of the Bellville Historical Society, served on the Bellville Shade Tree Commission. When it came to the Clear Fork Marching Band very few were as dedicated and supportive as Bruce. He loved the band’s music and even took vacation to assist the students during band camp.

He was a faithful member of All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Bellville where he was head of the fellowship committee.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Cheryl Kilgore of Bellville, daughter Analyssa Kilgore (fiancé Korey Chambers) both of Bellville, son Sam (Kari) Kilgore of Bellville, mother Ann Kilgore of Bellville, sister Kristy Kilgore Mandeville of Mansfield, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Glen (Orilla) Kilgore, maternal grandparents Robert (Minnie) Hartzler, father Max Kilgore, brother Michael Kilgore, sister-in-law Rebecca Kilgore.

The Kilgore family will receive friends Saturday, September 2, 2017 from 1-3pm in All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, 25 Church Street, Bellville, where a memorial service celebrating the life of Bruce Alan Kilgore will begin at 3 pm.

The Bellville Snyder Funeral Home is serving the Kilgore family and memorial contributions to assist the family with funeral expenses may be made through the funeral home.

Online condolences to the family may be made by visiting:SnyderFuneralHomes.com

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Hearing Bruce tell stories will be forever in my heart. Bruce was the ultimate comedian. His love for The Valley was obvious by everyone who knew him. Bruce loved his family and openly showed it by his words and actions. I will miss you Bruce…as I do Mike and Beck, but knowing you guys..I am sure we will see signs of you in the future. My heart is heavy for my Kilgore family.

To Cheryl and family, We re so sad to learn of Bruce’s passing. I enjoyed working with him at ManCi and will fondly remember all fun things we all did. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely Marilyn and Mike Lamb

I will be forever grateful to Bruce for keeping the image of his brother alive for his daughter Michelle. his care and love for her in her growing up. I am sure when he went to heaven his brother Mike thanked him for being there for her.
our sympathy to the family.

Cheryl and family,
We are saddened to hear the passing of Bruce. He was such a nice guy. We had lots of fun being band camp parents. He was so witty and funny. He loved helping the kids and loved Clear fork football. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless!

One of my most fond and treasured memories of All Souls was meeting Bruce for the first time and he insisted that I ring the bell before the service. He seemed to shine and make all feel welcomed. Sadly, I have hospital duty the day of his services but I am certain that Bruce would understand and forgive… that was his nature and among his exemplary qualities. He radiated welcoming acceptance and joy in giving and serving others. Ann, Cheryl, Annlyssa, Sam and Kristy, be assured that although I will not be able to attend, in my heart I will be ringing a bell in memory of Bruce. I was honored to be considered a friend~ a most inclusive and large club. Not a single person who met him will forget him. I know that I never will… and many will think of him when that bell rings. May you find comfort in your loving memories… and in time grow in Peace.

Much love and prayers to Ann and the rest of the Kilgore family I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a kind and caring man that I was proud to call friend I will always appreciate the way he treated and looked after my sister and niece

So many fond memories of Bruce and the whole Kilgore family. Growing up with Bruce and Kristy as my favorite babysitters, I can say there was never a dull moment. From rescuing baby bunnies from the garden, to playing Miss Ohio at Kingwood Center and for all the times Bruce would play Barbies with me. What fun I had as a kid growing up around this family. I’ll forever remember the endless evenings sitting around the kitchen table listening to stories and laughter late into the night. We had such fun watching Carol Burnett shows and making hard tack candy around the holiday’s. I’ll always remember Bruce as an upbeat, happy and funny person. He has made a lasting impression on me and I will be forever grateful to have him as part of my life. Rest in peace my friend!

I just checked emails after bringing Matt home yesterday from having total hip replacement surgery, and was shocked and terribly saddened to learn about Bruce. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I will be with you in spirit tomorrow. Please hug each other for me and know that you will be close at heart tomorrow and in the days ahead. With my deepest sympathy and love,

I certainly didn’t mean to leave you out of my thoughts and prayers. I was so stunned to learn about Bruce and tired from a stressful week with Matt in the hospital. Please forgive my oversight. You, Bruce, and Ann were from the very first time I attended All Souls always steadfast in your love and support of me. It upsets me terribly that I can’t be there to support you tomorrow. If you were closer than an 11 hour drive, I would be there!

Dear Ann and Family—I just this evening learned of your terrible loss, and I am so, so sorry . I will always appreciate the kind welcome Bruce offered me and my family at All Souls. I hope you find comfort in your memories of his wit and insight and dedication to family. —Jane Skaluba